Anti-theft device

Abstract

An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle includes a pedal engaging member ( 105 ), a first locking mechanism ( 215 ) and a second locking mechanism ( 210 ). The pedal engaging member ( 105 ) is movable between a first position and a second position, the first position for engaging a pedal of the motor vehicle and the second position for enabling the pedal to move freely. The first locking mechanism ( 215 ) is operatively connected to the pedal engaging member ( 105 ), for locking the pedal engaging member ( 105 ) at the first position. The second locking mechanism ( 210 ) is operatively connected to the pedal engaging member ( 105 ), for locking the pedal engaging member ( 105 ) at the second position.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle, the anti-theft device comprising:
 a pedal engaging member, movable between a first position and a second position, the first position configured to engage a pedal of the motor vehicle and the second position configured to enable the pedal to move freely; 
 a first locking mechanism operatively connected to the pedal engaging member, configured to lock the pedal engaging member at the first position, wherein the first locking mechanism is configured to be locked and/or unlocked by a key; and 
 a second locking mechanism that operates independently from the first locking mechanism, wherein the second locking mechanism is operatively connected to the pedal engaging member, and configured to lock the pedal engaging member at the second position; 
 wherein the second locking mechanism comprises a locking pin configured to engage with an opening in an inner shaft and to prevent movement of the inner shaft relative to an outer shaft, wherein the second locking mechanism comprises a button lock, and wherein pressing a button of the button lock releases the second locking mechanism. 
 
     
     
       2. The anti-theft device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting member operatively connected to the pedal engaging member, configured to attach the anti-theft device to the motor vehicle. 
     
     
       3. The anti-theft device of  claim 2 , wherein the mounting member comprises a pedestal configured to attach to a firewall of the motor vehicle. 
     
     
       4. The anti-theft device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner shaft is connected to the pedal engaging member and the outer shaft is attached to a mounting member. 
     
     
       5. The anti-theft device of  claim 1 , wherein the pedal engaging member is movable between the first and second positions by sliding the inner shaft within the outer shaft. 
     
     
       6. The anti-theft device of  claim 1 , wherein the pedal engaging member is movable between the first and second positions by rotating the inner shaft within the outer shaft. 
     
     
       7. The anti-theft device of  claim 1 , wherein the second locking mechanism is configured to automatically lock the pedal engaging member at the second position when the pedal engaging member is in the second position. 
     
     
       8. The anti-theft device of  claim 1 , wherein the second locking mechanism comprises a wedge member movable in a first direction, the wedge member comprising a sloped surface relative to the first direction configured to engage with the locking pin and to force the locking pin to move in a second direction. 
     
     
       9. The anti-theft device of  claim 8 , wherein the second locking mechanism comprises guide pins configured to guide the wedge member in the first direction. 
     
     
       10. The anti-theft device of  claim 8 , wherein the wedge member comprises first and second sides, and a base extending between the first and second sides, and wherein the first and second sides of the wedge member are each configured to engage different portions of the locking pin. 
     
     
       11. The anti-theft device of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-theft device comprises a handle connected to the inner shaft, and the button lock is integrated into the handle. 
     
     
       12. The anti-theft device of  claim 8 , wherein the wedge member and the button of the button lock are biased in the same direction relative to each other. 
     
     
       13. The anti-theft device of  claim 2 , wherein the mounting member comprises a steering column clamp configured to attach to a steering column of the motor vehicle.